Tire box and a method of packaging a tire

ABSTRACT

A box  10, 30, 40, 50  for containing a tire  2  has one or more closed ends, two sides and at least one open end exposing a portion of the tread of the tire  2 . The box  10, 30, 40  or  50  has one or more tire restraining means extending internally into the box and provide a means to restrict tire movement within the box. The box  10, 30, 40, 50  preferably has an opening for a hand grip and large exterior surfaces for promotional information about the product.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a novel packaging design for tires.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tires are sold in a variety of ways. Historically most purchases of tires occur by looking at the displays in tire stores, a purchase selection would be made and the tires would be pulled from inventory, and placed directly on the vehicle. Most tires are commonly sold in this fashion.

[0003] The customer of the tires is directed to a purchase by an experienced salesperson who may inquire as to make and model of the vehicle and what type of treadwear warranty the driver may prefer and what amount of money the purchaser is willing to pay.

[0004] Historically tire sales were made in tire company-owned stores or gasoline service stations.

[0005] Today tires are not sold at most gasoline stations which really are convenience stores with gas station pumps outside. Most tires are sold at large department stores such as Sears and Wal-Mart or a large volume discount tire store like National Tire & Battery Corp. in addition to the more traditional tire stores that sell primarily one brand of tires.

[0006] Another new outlet for tires is internet sales. In this form of distribution of tires the customer can order tires online and the tires may be shipped directly to the customer who can make his own arrangements for getting the tires mounted onto the rims of his or her vehicle.

[0007] Typically tires sold on the internet are shipped by carriers by attaching a glued clear envelope with the package labeling shown. The customer when receiving the tires must use care to avoid rubbing against the tire or setting the tires on carpets because the tires themselves can actually stain fabrics if left in contact over a few hours. Accordingly, some tires are actually taped with a wrap to avoid the problem.

[0008] Ideally the tire manufacturer would like to display the most important attributes of the tire, namely the tread while at the same time provide an efficient package for shipping and handling the tire.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging that protects the tire, particularly the tire's sidewall; provides an improved surface for attaching labels for shipping, and provides a striking surface for providing promotional information about the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention for ease of understanding a tire is shown in dashed lines.

[0012]FIG. 2 shows the perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention in an assembled and ready to ship state.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exterior box of the first embodiment shown unfolded, the dashed lines representing the fold lines.

[0014]FIG. 4 is one of the tire restraining means of the first embodiment shown unfolded in a plan view.

[0015]FIG. 5 is the folded tire restraining means of the first embodiment taken from FIG. 4 shown in an end view.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a second embodiment of the invention shown in a perspective view and partially opened but wrapped around a tire illustrated in dashed lines.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second embodiment tire box shown closed with the restraining means shown internally securing the tire shown in dashed lines.

[0018]FIGS. 8 through 12 show a third embodiment of the invention illustrating a tire box having a single open corner, FIG. 8 being the plan view of the flat box unfolded while FIGS. 9 through 11 show various stages of the folding; FIG. 12 shows the assembled box with a tire illustrated by dashed lines.

[0019]FIGS. 13 through 20 are a fourth embodiment of the invention, views 13 through 15 represent an outer covering while FIGS. 16 through 20 represent a tire box that may be used separately or in conjunction with the outer covering.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] With reference to the FIGS. 1 through 20 a number of examples of present invention are illustrated. The four examples shown each provide a simple yet efficient way to package a tire while exposing a portion of the tread for viewing.

[0021] As illustrated each tire box may further be wrapped in a clear protecting film, however, this is not mandatory.

[0022] The first illustrated embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 has an outer cover 12, two restraining means 14 and an optional label or decal 16 for placing shipping information. The outer cover 12 is shown unfolded in FIG. 3. A semicircular cut 13 is shown on one side 15 of the outer cover 12. The top end 19 of the cover 12 is between the two sides 15. The bottom end 17 of the cover 12 is formed by two ends 17 that can be taped together.

[0023] In FIG. 4 the tire restraining means 14 is shown. The ends of the restraining means 14 fold over to form the triangular shape end 24 as shown in FIG. 5. The slot 21 fits over the pop-up portion 22 to secure the ends 24. These restraining means 14 fit on two opposing sides of the tire 2 and the outer cover 12 fits over wrapping the tire 2 and the two restraining means 14 and forming the tire box 10 as shown. Portions of the tire tread are exposed on two open ends 11 of the box. The tire's outside diameter OD is larger than the width of the sides 15. This feature protects the tire's sidewalls yet allows the customer to see the tread of the tire 2. In most cases the tire manufacturer takes great pride in his tread pattern. The performance characteristics of the tire depend greatly on the tread. Accordingly, an important aspect of the present invention is to insure that the tread is prominently visible. A secondary consideration to the tire manufacturer is to convey a lot of information about the tire in a convenient and logical manner. The tire 2 in the box 10 provides large surfaces on the sides 15 and ends 19 to provide pictures and advertising directly onto the box. This makes the tires stand out when displayed in a box 10. The retailer has a convenient stackable way of creating a display of tires.

[0024] The box 10 also provides a convenient way to ship product. This is particularly valuable to the individual who wants to purchase tires online via the computer. These customers will receive a tire in the nicely packaged container of the present invention. The tires' sidewalls will be clean when received and the tires themselves will be isolated from the customers' clothing, carpets, or vehicle fabric. Tires are notorious for their ability to stain fabric. The present invention insures that such problems are greatly diminished.

[0025] The sides and ends of the box provide wonderful surfaces to put the product information on. Colorful labeling and photographs enhance the visual impact. The road traction features of the tread are highlighted by exposing the tread by projecting a portion of the tread beyond the box on at least one end of the box. The customer not only sees the product but has his or her attention directly drawn to that portion of the tire that contacts the road. In fact, in those embodiments wherein the exposed tread portion projects out, the customer visually is seeing the subtlety that only a small portion of the tire is in contact with the road. All the action created by the tread must occur in this very small contact patch. This helps tire manufacturers in a very pointed but subtle way teach the tire buyer about the sophisticated nature of the product and why in certain applications such as very high performance vehicles and luxury cars' premium materials and design for the tire will make a big difference in the vehicle performance. The tire box says to the customer this is not just another tire. For this reason the tire in a box concept has great appeal to the more discerning and tire savvy customer.

[0026] A less complicated box 30 is shown wherein a single outer cover 31 is used. The outer cover has two integral flaps 31, which act as the tire restraining means. The flaps 31 when folded go directly into the tire beads. This restrains the tire into the box. The joined seam 33 can then be taped to secure the assembly. This second embodiment of the invention is very simple, faster to assemble and provides similar benefits as the first embodiment of the invention describe previously.

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 8 through 12 a third embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The unfolded box 40 is shown cut with dashed lines showing the folds. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 as the box is shaped two ends 44, 46 extend about one-half the length of the box to create an open corner 45 exposing the tire 2. In this embodiment a large portion of the tire appears exposed due to the fact that the open corner 45 is continuous. Ends 47, 48 are completely closed as shown.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 13 through 30 a fourth embodiment of the invention is represented. The tire box 50 has an outer cover 52 representing the sides. The outer cover 52 when folded is as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The cover forms a sleeve that can slide over the inner portion 52 of the box 80. The inner portion when folded has flaps 61 that act as the tire restraining means. An opening 62 is cut into one side of the inner portion 54. The inner portion 54 as shown has interlocking ends 55 that fit together similar to a puzzle. Once folded together the inner portion 54 appears as shown in FIG. 19. The tire 2 is placed into the inner portion preferably prior to interlocking the ends 55.

[0029] Once the inner portion 54 is assembled with the tire 2 inside, the outer cover 52 can be slid over the assembly. In this embodiment 50 only one side of the tire 2 will be exposed when the outer cover 52 is slid over the inner portion 54. The handle opening 60 aligns with the opening 62.

[0030] Variations in the present invention are possible in light of the description of it provided herein. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments described which will be within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A box for containing a tire, the box comprising: one or more closed ends; two sides; and at least one open end exposing a portion of the tread of the tire.
 2. The box of claim 1, the box having one or more tire restraining means, the one or more restraining means extending internally into the box and providing a means to restrict tire movement within the box.
 3. The box of claim 1 wherein one of the sides has an opening, the opening providing a hand grip location for carrying the box.
 4. The box of claim 1 wherein exterior surfaces have promotional information about the product.
 5. The box of claim 1 wherein a portion of the at least one open end includes a surface for attaching or printing directly onto a shipping label. 